PM Modi Gifts Holy Water from Mahakumbh, Ram Mandir Replica to Trinidad & Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar

The gifts were presented during a community address in Port of Spain, where PM Modi lauded the cultural resilience of the Indian diaspora and emphasized the deep-rooted historical ties between India and the Caribbean nation.

"Kamla ji is a Daughter of Bihar"

Addressing the Indian community, PM Modi highlighted Prime Minister Bissessar’s ancestral roots in Buxar, Bihar, calling her a “daughter of Bihar.” Recalling her 2012 visit to her ancestral village Bhelupur (Itarhi block), Modi said:

“You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry its sacred water with me. I request Kamla ji to offer this water from the Sarayu River and Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara here in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Kamla Persad-Bissessar also addressed the community, acknowledging her Indian roots and affirming the close cultural connection between the two nations.

Historic Diplomatic Visit

PM Modi arrived at Piarco International Airport, where he was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He was received by PM Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament.

This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago in 26 years, following an invitation extended by PM Bissessar.

Strong Diaspora Ties

Speaking about the visit, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

“This is a historic occasion. Nearly 13 lakh people live in Trinidad and Tobago, and about 45% are of Indian origin, primarily from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including Bhojpuri-speaking districts such as Chhapra, Ballia, Ara, Siwan, Gopalganj, Banaras, and Azamgarh.”

He added that the visit reflects the deepening of strategic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.